I've been reading threads on flipping bikes. I am slowly revamping and old Schwinn Continental, step-thru, baby blue. I'm replacing tires, cables, cable housing, brake pads onto a cleaned and lubed frame/wheels. The bike was $5 and everything else is maybe $50.

I like the faded, oxidized paint. And the rust in frame scratches and in the chrome looks OK to me. Have I just done up a bike to flip like everyone else or is beautifying the paint part of it too? Is rust to be dealt with?

Is there a style of restoring bikes where the character of its years is left as much as possible and necessary items to do with rider comfort, safety, etc are what is replaced... Rustoration?

I have done a couple like that but they are a tough sell. I personally think it's a nice idea -- a classic old bike that looks its age yet rides like new. But the fact is, 99% of people want a bike that looks as good as it rides. Your choice is sell the bike for a low price or be patient in waiting for that special person who wants exactly what you have.

Tough flip if you already have $55 into it.

As far as rust, as a minimum, I take care of the chrome. That is one of the selling features of bikes like the Continental.

In the metro boston market vintage bikes are expected to look their age but the better it looks the higher the asking price. Since I only understand Raleigh type 3 speeds that's the only reference I can give. MINT bikes sell for 200 or more. Used bikes that ride swell are 100-150. if it is under that price, be prepared to do some work. I chalk it up to supply and demand...a vintage bike that looks its age OUTSIDE of commuter land..say upstate NH OR ME, wouldn't even get a second look. But in the city where demand is high for such things, people know what to expect and are just happy to get the bike they want.

I have yet had a call to repaint, if i did, it would no longer be vintage...it would be custom. I think if repainting looks bad or even LOOKS touched up, i think it would detract and draw attention to itself. like If i covered up the paint chips, what else did i cover up? I approach bike restoration like I approach book repair..1st do no harm, don't do anything additional that can't be reversed if the future owner doesn't like it. 2nd. do what you need to do to get it closer to original and prevent further damage. 3. make it pretty as possible.

ALL excellent, excellent advice. Thank U.